By Erin Wright
Icons of post-hardcore, La Dispute return after a six-year hiatus with what might be their most ambitious project yet. No One Was Driving The Car, a title inspired by the death of a man at the hands of a driverless Tesla (subject matter explored further on the title track), is the fifth studio LP from the Grand Rapids outfit.
No One Was Driving The Car was released in five parts, or "acts", over a four-month time-frame, the fifth act bringing with it the complete release. Vocalist Jordan Dreyer brings his usual, though matured, fire to this album. His rage is arguably more palpable, which is a tall order given the band's reputation for representing true hatred for the world that has been built.
Where this project really excels is with its storytelling. La Dispute have always been known for their lyricism and ability to tell a cohesive story within their songs, but it stands out even more on this project. Five interconnected storylines are told through each act of this album. Songs like "Landlord Calls the Sheriff In" and "Top-Sellers Banquet" tackle the all too common talking point of American capitalism, but as it is shown through the world of pyramid schemes, specifically Amway, a multi-level marketing company that terrorized the band's native Grand Rapids. The theme of anti-corporatism is pervasive all over this album, which comes as no surprise given the inspiration behind the title.
The religious theming is heavy on this album as well, with certain songs beginning and ending with excerpts from sermons. This comes as no surprise given Dreyer's upbringing, as he addresses this head-on on the powerful "Environmental Catastrophe Film", as well as on "End Times Sermon", the latter bringing the spoken-word refrain of "Will God forgive us?" repeating through the bridge. Not only is this a return to form for La Dispute, but an immediate standout in their discography and arguably a modern post-hardcore classic. They give fans more of what they're used to on tracks like "Man with Hands and Ankles Bound" and "Steve", as well as a new take on their iconic sound with songs like "I Shaved My Head". This album is angry, emotional, unabashedly dark, and a much needed soundtrack to today's tumultuous times.
No One Was Driving The Car by La Dispute is out now via Epitaph Records.
[Photo: Martin / Epitaph Records]